Increase in Moroccan Watermelon Exports by 54% in 2025, Generating $190 Million
Red watermelon exports from Morocco began a gradual recovery in 2025, following a sharp decline in 2024 due to climatic challenges and water resource shortages, according to EastFruit, a platform specializing in tracking global fruit and vegetable markets.
The platform indicated that Morocco exported approximately 175,000 tons of watermelon during the first eleven months of 2025, with a total value reaching $190 million, marking an increase of 54% compared to the same period in 2024.
Despite this noticeable rebound, export levels remain below the record high achieved in 2022, when shipments reached 297,000 tons—the sector’s highest level to date. The years following that record have been characterized by difficult climatic conditions, primarily long droughts and water shortages, which resulted in restrictions on watermelon cultivation in some areas and complete bans in others, directly impacting production and exports.
In 2024, exports hit their lowest level in eight years, causing Morocco to exit the list of the world’s top ten watermelon exporters. However, improved indicators in 2025 are gradually steering the sector back towards a growth trajectory.
France remains the top destination for Moroccan watermelon exports, accounting for nearly half of the total shipments. Spain follows with a share exceeding 23%, and the United Kingdom accounts for 8.5%. Shipments to the UK and Portugal have also seen a relative recovery, nearing the record levels of 2022, while other active markets include Belgium, the Netherlands, Mauritania, and Germany. Exports to other markets represent only about 1% of the total.
The platform confirmed that watermelon has returned to the list of the top five categories of fruit exported from Morocco in 2025, alongside recovering exports of potatoes and mandarins. This strengthens the competitiveness of the Moroccan agricultural sector and enhances its position in international markets, particularly in Europe, indicating the sector’s ability to adapt to climatic pressures and regain some of its export momentum despite ongoing challenges.
